Curriculum
Curriculum
The Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology: Online/Hybrid Format program includes coursework and a training practicum.
Course Sequence
The staggered format of the online/hybrid courses allows for a certain degree of fluidity in the duration and timing of offerings throughout the academic year. Consult with your advisor to determine the optimal course sequence to satisfy prerequisite requirements and prepare for practicum placement.
The program is designed for part-time delivery and can be completed in either three or four years. You may take two or more courses per semester to achieve a desired work-life balance.
Courses marked with an asterik (*) require a residency component.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| * 208 Professional Development Seminar | 3 credits |
| * 337 Group Psychotherapy | 3 credits |
| 350 Community Psychology | 3 credits |
| 402 Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychopathology | 3 credits |
| 438 Introduction to Addictive Disorders | 3 credits |
| * 472 Basic Skills for Psychotherapy | 3 credits |
| 497 Research Methods | 3 credits |
| 505 Professional Development, Issues and Ethics | 3 credits |
| * 510 Preparation for Counseling Practice | 3 credits |
| * 516 Individual Appraisal for Counselors in Practice | 3 credits |
| 520 Theories of Psychotherapy | 3 credits |
| * 537 M.A. Practicum & Practicum Seminar I | 3 credits |
| * 538 M.A. Practicum & Practicum Seminar II | 3 credits |
| 569 Lifestyle & Career Development | 3 credits |
| 623 Life Span Development | 3 credits |
| 647 Biopsychosocial Basis of Health & Dysfunction for Counselors | 3 credits |
| * 662 Overview of Marriage & Family Therapy Models | 3 credits |
| 671 Structural & Systemic Bases of Health & Dysfunction | 3 credits |
| 679 Counseling Multicultural & Marginalized Communities | 3 credits |
| * 906 Community Engagement Project & Capstone | 3 credits |
| 995 Master of Arts Qualifying Examination (MAQE) | 0 credits |
Practicum
An integral part of all master's programs at the Adler School is supervised field placements. Ongoing involvement in clinical activities at professional training sites, including Adler Community Health Services, provides an opportunity to apply and further develop the knowledge, skills, values, and competencies gained in coursework.
In your first year, the Community Service Practicum focuses on developing skills for community-based interventions, advocacy, social justice, and systemic interventions that benefit human welfare and well-being. You’ll spend eight to ten hours per week over the course of six months at an approved site while being concurrently enrolled in required coursework. A minimum of 200 clock hours of practicums is required. We understand the needs of working students, but we expect you will devote a minimum of twenty hours per week on weekdays during the practicum.
In your second year, the practicum focuses on developing competencies required for entry-level practice upon graduation. Expect to spend at least two days per week over the course of at least nine months at an approved site while being concurrently enrolled in two semesters of practicum seminars. You must complete a minimum of 700 clock hours of Clinical Practicums.
At least one of the following courses must be taken concurrently with Community Service Practicum I & II:
- Community Psychology (350)
- Professional Development, Issues and Ethics (505)
- Introduction to Adlerian Psychology and Psychopathology (402)
- Social Psychology and Individual Differences (641)
The Director of Clinical Training and Community Service will work with you to identify and approve clinical experiences. Because the focus is on integrating master's-level education with master's-level clinical training, the Adler School does not grant transfer credit for practicum credits earned elsewhere. Please refer to the Practicum Handbook for detailed information.